VOODOO KATZ: “Glimpse”
Artist: Voodoo Katz (www.voodookatz.com)
Album: “Glimpse” (self-produced)
LISTEN: Hear the first track off the CD
The second release from Charleston’s Voodoo Katz successfully delivers the warm, rhythmic grooves that have made the band a staple on the Charleston club scene. However, this time around, the tunes — with influences ranging from funk and R&B to pop and world beat — are more focused, sounding less like individual contributions and more like the work of a band.
The title track moves from syncopated, rock-infused verses to a free and easy chorus that underscores the band’s positive vibe. In particular, the soaring spirit of Derick Kirk, who, at 28, lost his battle with cancer in July, is ever present. Throughout, the interplay between Mark Davis’ clear vocals and Kirk’s melodic sax lines are pleasantly reminiscent of the catchy, ska-pop of the English Beat.
“Shine” has a rolling, funky groove set off by a simple bass line, percussion and a choppy, JB’s guitar break while “Magic in Your Mind” and “Saving Grave” borrow simmering bass and drum lines from War. “Sandy Girl,” “Diamonds in the Moonlight” (with vocals by Kai Haynes) and the live favorite “Kokoleoko” showcase the swirling, dance-floor-filling grooves while “Suffer” (written by guitarist Andy Park) adds a reggae backbeat.
Recorded and mixed at Bob Webb’s Treehouse Studio, the extended songs (most clock in at five minutes plus) are carefully arranged to feature each member. Part of the proceeds from the CD will go to the Kirk family.
– By Michael Lipton
